When Someone You Know Struggles with Fears, Anxiety, and Stress

by Stanley Popovich

What do you do when someone you know has to deal with persistent fears, anxieties,or even depression? Well the first thing you need to do is to get the person to seekthe services of a professional who can lead them in the right direction and givethem the help they need. In addition, here are some other techniques you can use tohelp the person cope.

Learn as much as you can in managing anxiety and depression. There are many booksand information that will educate you on how to deal with fear and anxiety. Sharethis information with the person who is struggling. Education is the key in findingthe answers your looking for in managing your fears.

Be understanding and patient with the person struggling with their fears. Dealingwith depression and anxiety can be difficult for the person so do not add moreproblems than what is already there.

In every anxiety-related situation you experience, begin to learn what works, whatdoesn't work, and what you need to improve on in managing your fears and anxieties.For instance, you have a lot of anxiety and you decide to take a walk to help youfeel better. The next time you feel anxious you can remind yourself that you gotthrough it the last time by taking a walk. This will give you the confidence tomanage your anxiety the next time around.

Challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking.When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or anxious, challenge thosethoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and commonsense. For example, you are afraid that if you do not get that job promotion thenyou will be stuck at your job forever. This depresses you, however your thinking inthis situation is unrealistic. The fact of the matter is that there all are kinds ofjobs available and just because you don't get this job promotion doesn't mean thatyou will never get one. In addition, people change jobs all the time, and you alwayshave that option of going elsewhere if you are unhappy at your present location.Changing your thinking can help you manage your fears.

Another thing to remember is that things change and events do not stay the same. Forinstance, you may feel overwhelmed today with your anxiety and feel that this is howyou will feel the rest of the week or month. This isn't correct. No one can predictthe future with one hundred percent accuracy. Even if the thing that you feared doeshappen there are circumstances and factors that you can't predict which can be usedto your advantage. You never know when the help and answers you are looking for willcome to you.

When your fears and anxieties have the best of you, seek help from a professional.The key is to be patient, take it slow, and not to give up. In time, you will beable to find those resources that will help you with your problems.

Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: www.managingfear.com.

The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.~ Ernest Hemingway

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Anything you read at fortrefuge.com is an opinion only, based on the personal experience of the author, and should not be used in place of counseling, therapy, or medical or legal advice. If you or someone you know needs professional help, please see our list of hotlines.